Ingredients
Method
- Prepare and Marinate the Beef
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain into strips about ¼ inch thick or small batons about ½ inch wide. Place the slices in a bowl and add the soy sauce, peanut oil, and cornstarch. Mix gently with your hands until every piece of beef is lightly coated. Let it sit for about 10 minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
- Mix the Sauce
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken stock, Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Set this sauce mixture aside.
- Cook the Broccoli
- Pour ¼ cup of water into a large skillet or wok and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and cover the pan. Let them steam briefly until bright green and just tender, about 1 minute. Transfer the broccoli to a plate and wipe the pan dry if any water remains.
- Sear the Beef
- Add the cooking oil to the skillet and heat until shimmering. Arrange the beef in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for about 30 seconds until browned on one side. Turn the pieces and cook briefly on the other side. Stir and continue cooking until the beef develops light caramelization while remaining slightly pink inside.
- Add Aromatics
- Toss the minced garlic and ginger into the pan. Stir quickly for a few seconds to release their fragrance.
- Combine Everything
- Return the broccoli to the skillet. Give the sauce mixture another stir to dissolve the cornstarch, then pour it into the pan. Cook while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and transfer to a serving plate.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Ingredient Tips
- Tenderizing tougher beef: If using cuts like chuck, brisket, or round roast, mix ½ teaspoon baking soda into the marinade and let the beef sit for 30 minutes before cooking. This helps break down the fibers and makes the meat more tender.
- Dark soy sauce substitute: Dark soy sauce deepens the color and adds a mild caramel flavor. If you don’t have it, you can leave it out or add ½ teaspoon molasses for a similar richness.
- Oil alternative: When peanut oil isn’t available, finish the dish with ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil after turning off the heat to boost the aroma.
